At a Glance
Embark on an “experience-of-a-lifetime" luxury journey and travel to Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon in comfort. and style. Join an experienced local leader and group of like minded travellers on a six-day premium adventure through the outback. Enjoy iconic outback walks: Kings Canyon Rim Walk, Kata Tjuta Walpa Gorge walk and Uluru Mala Walk. Sacred sites, vast landscapes and 600 million years of history – it could only be Australia’s Red Centre. Come and see what makes this sun-soaked piece of the planet so unforgettable.
Departing from Alice Springs, the outback grand tour is led by professional guides. You’ll not only see the icons of the Red Centre, you'll also have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and landscapes. Learn about the connection between the land and ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- 5 nights 4 to 5 star hotel accommodations, on a twin share basis
- 5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
- Alice Springs arrival airport transfer
- Alice town tour including visiting Anzac Hill and Old Telegraph Station
- Visit Macdonnell Ranges
- Kings Canyon - Dining Under a Desert Moon Experience
- Watarrka National Park - Kings Canyon Karkke Cultural Experience (April to October only)
- Uluru - Sunset & Field of Lights
- Kings Canyon Rim Walk
- Visit Kata Tjuta & Walpa Gorge Walk
- Uluru - Sounds of Silence Dinner
- Experienced Driver Guide
- Uluru - Mala Walk & Mutitjulu Waterhole Cultural Walk
- Travel in an air-conditioned coach with max. 12 people
- Luggage transfer
Itinerary
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Welcome to Australia’s Red Centre! Your adventure begins in Alice Springs (Mparntwe in the language of the traditional owners of the land on which Alice Springs is now located). On arrival at Alice Springs Airport, you'll be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel. A welcome meeting will take place at 1pm today where you’ll meet your local leader and fellow travellers. Begin with an Acknowledgment of Country, then your leader will introduce you to the sights of Alice Springs. Start with a visit to the Araluen Arts Centre, then head out to the historical Telegraph Station, the site of the first European settlement in Alice Springs. Drive up to Anzac Hill and take in panoramic views of Alice Springs and the surrounding landscape. Pay a visit to the grave of First Nations artist Albert Namatjira, finishing with a deeper understanding of the town and its history. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner with your group. |
Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters or similar
Dinner |
After breakfast, hit the road once more and enjoy splendid views of the Western MacDonnell Ranges before stopping at the colourful ochre pits, learning about their place in Aboriginal culture. Continue to Ormiston Gorge. With a beautiful waterhole as its centrepiece, the gorge is the perfect place to stop for a relaxing lunch. Take a short walk to a lookout point to appreciate the landscape from a different perspective, then drive on to Ellery Creek Big Hole, where rugged cliffs plunge into a water-filled gorge below. There will be time for a swim here if you’d like to cool off (or just dip your toes if the water is too cold), then pay a visit to the Standley Chasm, a dramatic geological formation that is culturally significant to the Western Arrernte people. Return to Alice Springs for an optional dinner at the Northern Territory institution, Hanuman. Today’s total driving time is approximately 4 hours. There are a number of shorter walks today, adding up to approximately 3 hours in total. |
Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters or similarBreakfast, Lunch |
Rise bright and early to begin the journey south towards Kings Canyon, one of the Northern Territory’s most spectacular sights. On arrival, get to know the incredible landscape on foot by visiting Karrke on the edge of Watarrka National Park. Here you’ll gain a unique insight into First Nations culture as you join a guide to learn about the landscapes, bush tucker, bush medicines and how they are used for healing and their spiritual significance to the Luritja and Pertame people. Note: this cultural experience is only available for April to October. Return to your accommodation in the afternoon to get ready for dinner this evening – you’re in for a real treat! 'Dining Under a Desert Moon' is for a true outback experience, and tuck into a fabulous five course meal made with seasonal and locally sourced products paired with complimentary wines. |
Kings Canyon ResortBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Before saying goodbye to Kings Canyon, go on the iconic Kings Canyon Rim walk, taking approximately 3-4 hours. First, climb the stairs to the top of the canyon (there’s plenty of places to stop for photos or to catch your breath!) then things get a bit easier. Walk through Priscilla’s Crack, made famous after featuring in Priscilla Queen of the Desert, a classic Australian film. Continue to the sandstone domes of the Lost City, resembling the remains of ancient civilisation. From here you can continue to explore the top of the canyon, or descend into the Garden of Eden, where a waterhole gives life to abundant flora and fauna. In fact, Kings Canyon is home to over 600 unique species of native plants and animals – your leader will point out some interesting examples as you walk. If you’re feeling like an easier walk you can also take the Kings Creek Walk by yourself – it’s shorter but won’t miss the spectacular views of the canyon. You may also choose to spend your morning relaxing at the hotel instead. |
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Then, carry on to Mt Conner and stop at a viewpoint where you can admire the flat-top mountain’s unusual shape. Stop off at an ancient salt lake then carry on to Yulara, your gateway to the enormous sandstone monolith of Uluru. Tonight’s feature stay accommodation is really something special. Modern, bright and airy, the hotel combines first-class service with a relaxed atmosphere, providing a perfect base for your explorations. This evening, make the most of your first night near Uluru. Sample canapés while watching the sun set over the majestic Field of Lights. Seeing the colours of the landscape change as day turns into night is really something else. The Field of Lights is an art installation of more than 50,000 artificial lights which illuminate the landscape as far as the eye can see. Today’s total driving time is approximately 4 hours. Please note that the rim walk at Kings Canyon is graded 4 in terms of difficulty. The 6km loop takes about 3-4 hours to complete. If you would like to opt out the leader can suggest an alternative and easier walk for you. The leader may recommend a shorter hike for the group if the heat is too intense. You may also choose to relax at the hotel instead of joining the walk. |
Sails in the Desert (5*) or similarBreakfast, Lunch |
This morning, drive to Kata Tjuta, an impressive series of massive red domes. Here you’ll embark on a fascinating 1-hour walk into the Walpa Gorge, alive with pink flowers and native wildlife. Your leader will be on hand to point out rare plants, and if you’re lucky, you may see wallaroos hopping around the rocks! Head back to your accommodation to relax and pick up some lunch in town. After a little rest, get out to experience the big rock for yourself – seeing this iconic formation for the first time is a memory that will stay with you. Explore the base of Uluru on the Mala walk, where you will enter ancient caves and rock art as your leader teaches you about the history of the Mala people. After a full day of exploring, get ready for a dinner experience like no other, the 'Sounds of Silence'. Sit down to a fantastic meal created with native bush ingredients. Set beneath a sky full of stars and to the sounds of the didgeridoo, this is the perfect finale to your premium Red Centre adventure. Today’s total driving time is approximately 1.5 hours. Today's walk into Walpa Gorge is an easy 3km return hike. |
Sails in the Desert (5*) or similarBreakfast, Dinner |
Before your tour concludes, join an Anangu guide for a walk to the beautiful Mutitjulu Waterhole at the base of the rock. Your guide will explain what makes this waterhole sacred while sharing stories of the incredible landscape and its connection to the Anangu people. Return to your accommodation in Yulara (Uluru), at which point your Red Centre adventure comes to an end, or alternatively travel back to Alice Springs. For those flying out of Yulara's Airport or extending their stay in Yulara, we’ll do a drop-off at the airport at 11:30am (in time for flights departing after 12:30pm - please have your luggage ready and take it with you when we leave the accommodation this morning) and then return to the resort at approximately 12pm. If your flight leaves before 12:30pm please note that you will miss out on this morning's activities. We recommend you stay an additional night in Yulara. Alternatively continue to Alice Springs from here (no additional cost), with an arrival back in town at around 6:30pm. Please consider these times when booking onward transportation or flights from Yulara or Alice Springs. * This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
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Dates & Prices
Please contact us for group booking or private departure.
More Info
The departure point is Alice Springs NT
The finishing point is Alice Springs NT
Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Alice Springs NT
In the Red Centre, the four traditional seasons are more distinct and temperatures are extreme, plummeting below freezing on winter nights (June to August) and soaring to the high 40°C (105 F plus) on summer days (December to January). Trekking on winter days is often pleasant with mild daytime temperatures (15-25°C, or 60-80 F) and light winds. Please make sure that you prepare for the cold evenings on winter treks, there can be frosts most evenings from June - August.
The shoulder seasons of April-May and September are mild with some warmer days. Night frosts are unlikely and daytimes are warm and occasional hot days may require an adjustment to the itinerary (ie: less walking, more swimming).
Rain is not common in the desert but it does rain on occasion, please be prepared for wet and windy conditions on all trips.
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 60 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 60 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 60 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 60 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The walks take place in very special wilderness settings. The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a walk with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the walk has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any walk up to 60 days prior to departure if a minimum of 4 walkers are unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the walk or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
